6 Best Cuisinart BBQ Smokers of 2026

This compact powerhouse delivers big flavor without breaking the bank, making it a go-to for beginners and weekend warriors who want authentic smoked brisket without complexity. With 402 square inches of cooking space and a porcelain-enameled water bowl, it locks in moisture and maintains stable temps—two pain points that plague cheaper smokers. The dual top and bottom air vents give you real control over airflow, letting you dial in that sweet spot between smoke density and heat, while the hinged door makes fuel top-offs a breeze without losing momentum.

In real-world use, this smoker holds steady between 225°F and 275°F with minimal babysitting, perfect for pork shoulder or salmon fillets over a 4–6 hour session. The chrome-plated grates are durable and resist rust, though they’re on the smaller side—don’t expect to fit a full rack of ribs and a brisket simultaneously. It performs best on level ground, and while the build feels solid, the thin outer steel can radiate heat unevenly in windy conditions. Still, it handles charcoal cleanly and produces consistent smoke when using quality lump or briquettes.

Compared to the larger 18” model (B01GFLYWF6), this one sacrifices cooking area but gains portability and value—ideal for tailgates, small patios, or first-time users testing the waters of charcoal smoking. It’s not as precise as electric or pellet models, but that’s not its job: it’s built for hands-on, traditional smoking with minimal fuss. For those stepping into BBQ with tight budgets, this punches above its price tag—offering more refinement than basic bullet smokers, though less precision than the electric Cuisinart B07CZCKTJ4.

Step into set-and-forget smoking with this precision-focused electric smoker that’s engineered for consistency, making it a top pick for anyone who values flawless temperature control over fire-tending drama. Boasting 548 square inches of cooking space and a 1500-watt heating element, it delivers steady heat from 100°F to 400°F—crucial for delicate jobs like jerky or salmon, where even 10 degrees can make or break the batch. The built-in thermometer and adjustable dial take the guesswork out, while the three dishwasher-safe racks offer flexibility and easy cleanup, solving two major pain points in traditional smoking.

During extended cooks—like an 8-hour brisket or smoked turkey breast—this unit holds its temp like a thermostat, requiring almost zero intervention. The stainless steel water and wood trays slide in smoothly and minimize flare-ups, and the insulated body keeps heat contained even in mild outdoor breezes. It’s quiet, clean-burning, and ideal for urban patios or apartment backyards where open flames are restricted. That said, it lacks the deep, layered smoke flavor charcoal or pellet models produce, and the wood chip tray is on the small side, needing refills every 45–60 minutes for dense smoke.

When stacked against the charcoal B0731TQPN5, this model trades authenticity for convenience—perfect for busy home cooks who want reliable results without mastering airflow or fuel management. It’s less portable than smaller charcoal units, but its consistent performance and low learning curve make it the smarter choice for beginners or those prioritizing ease. While it doesn’t match the flavor depth of the pellet-powered CPG-700, it delivers more control and reliability than any charcoal option in the lineup.

If you’re chasing more smoke without sacrificing simplicity, this 18” charcoal smoker is a game-changer for mid-tier BBQ enthusiasts who need room to feed a crowd while still mastering traditional techniques. With 510 square inches of cooking area—a 25% jump over the 16” model—it fits two full racks of ribs, a brisket, and sausage links without crowding, all while maintaining excellent heat retention thanks to its thicker steel body and porcelain-enameled water bowl. The dual air vents offer granular control, and the hinged access door means you can refill charcoal or water mid-smoke without losing heat, a rare win in this price range.

In real-world testing, it shines during 6–10 hour smokes, holding steady at 250°F with minimal vent tweaking. The chrome-plated grates are spacious and resist warping, though they can be tricky to clean if drippings bake on. It performs best with lump charcoal and soaked wood chunks, producing a rich, balanced smoke that outclasses electric models in flavor depth. However, like most vertical charcoal smokers, it demands attention: windy days require constant monitoring, and beginners may struggle with temperature spikes if airflow isn’t managed.

Compared to the 16” model, this one is worth the upgrade if you regularly cook for 6+ people—the extra space and improved heat stability make a tangible difference. It doesn’t have the smart features of the CPG-700 pellet grill, but it delivers authentic, hands-on BBQ at a fraction of the cost. For those committed to charcoal but tired of space constraints, this smoker bridges the gap between hobbyist and serious backyard pitmaster—offering more room and better construction than entry-level units, though not the automation of higher-end electric or pellet options.

This all-in-one pellet powerhouse redefines backyard versatility, merging 700 square inches of cooking space with digital precision to dominate everything from slow-smoked brisket to wood-fired pizza. With 8-in-1 functionality—Smoke, Grill, Roast, Sear, Bake, Braise, Char-Grill, and BBQ—it’s not just a smoker; it’s a full outdoor kitchen that eliminates the need for multiple grills. The digital controller auto-feeds pellets, maintains temps from 180°F to 500°F, and displays real-time readings, solving the #1 pain point in smoking: inconsistent heat. And with 21 lbs of pellet capacity, it can run for 20+ hours unattended—perfect for all-day cooks.

In action, it’s impressively consistent: searing steaks at 500°F with a perfect crust, then dropping to 225°F for pulled pork with zero lag. The all-terrain wheels and lift handle make it surprisingly portable for its size, and the integrated tool hooks, paper towel holder, and side shelf add serious usability. It produces rich, aromatic smoke from hardwood pellets, outperforming charcoal and electric models in flavor complexity. The only hiccup? It’s not ideal for quick weeknight grilling—startup and cool-down take 15–20 minutes, and pellet cleanup is more involved than charcoal ash disposal.

Against the 36” propane smoker (B01GFLYWVK), it offers far greater versatility and flavor depth, though at a higher price and complexity. It’s less portable than the compact charcoal models, but for those who want maximum control, capacity, and cooking styles in one unit, this is the ultimate upgrade. While it demands a bigger investment, it delivers restaurant-quality results with home convenience—making it the clear leader in performance, innovation, and long-term value across the Cuisinart smoker lineup.

Built for big-batch smoking with gas-powered convenience, this towering propane smoker dominates when you need to feed a crowd—delivering 785 square inches of vertical cooking space across four removable racks, the largest in Cuisinart’s lineup. With a 15,000 BTU burner and rear-mounted vent, it heats quickly and maintains stable temps for 10+ hour briskets or triple batches of jerky, making it ideal for caterers, tailgates, or family reunions. The integrated temperature gauge gives real-time feedback, and the porcelain-enamel trays for wood chips and water simplify cleanup—two major wins for high-volume cooks.

In real-world use, it excels at long, consistent smokes with minimal fuel anxiety—propane tanks last for hours and are easy to swap. The racks are spacious enough for whole chickens or thick pork butts, and the removable chrome-steel grates are dishwasher-safe, a rare perk at this scale. However, it struggles to achieve deep smoke flavor compared to charcoal or pellet models, often requiring extra wood chunks or longer cook times to compensate. And while it’s stable in mild weather, wind can disrupt heat distribution, especially in the upper racks.

Next to the CPG-700, it lacks multi-cooking versatility but wins on fuel simplicity and upfront capacity—no pellets to store, no ash to clean, just hook up a propane tank and go. It’s less flavorful than the pellet grill, but more practical than charcoal for frequent, large-scale smoking. For those who prioritize volume and ease over artisanal smoke profiles, this smoker delivers unmatched capacity with reliable propane performance—making it the go-to for serious entertainers who want maximum output with minimal fuel fuss.